USD Seals 2nd Consecutive 7s Title Over Clemson

The storms rolled back in for day 3 of the tournament. USD met undefeated Clemson in the final, who had dominated their opposition all tournament. Rain and wind were both a factor that would make attacking rugby difficult in the national championship final. Again the match was started with an excellent kickoff, this time gathered cleanly by Paul Habeeb. USD kept the ball in hand until Devin Hoovel ducked under a tackle and scored in the corner. Clemson showed good attacking intent, but a slippery ball consistently stymied their wide attacking plans. USD would punish a Clemson handling error, with Michael Ramos scoring a trademark try from close range. Things would get more difficult as Michael Ramos received a yellow card for an illegal tackle at the end of the first half. Clemson was not able to execute at the end of the half, but the Toreros would have to play the first two minutes of the second half down a player, defending a 10-0 lead. USD managed the second half well, keeping the ball in tight and kicking for a lineout to burn valuable seconds off the clock. A Clemson breakaway was well defended by Devin Hoovel at sweeper, with Sam Carlson and Dan Suhr tracking back to help on defense.

Clemson would maintain their fierce attacking pressure as some good footwork and power from them led to a converted try. It was anybody’s championship as USD held a narrow 10-7 lead with a minute to play. USD crucially controlled the ball from the kickoff, with Michael Ramos lifting Devin Hoovel high into the air. USD kept the ball in tight for a phase before Michael Ramos broke clean through. As the defense converged on the charging Ramos, he heard Nate Leff on his left shoulder. Ramos dished the ball to the rapid winger who sprinted into the corner to seal the championship for the Toreros.

Head Coach Charlie Purdon had this to say about the boys: “ A lot of adversity and obstacles this weekend, I am very proud of how the team responded all weekend. Everybody kept their composure throughout a challenging and chaotic tournament. A 3-day tournament meant we needed all 13 players on the roster, and they all did their job when called upon. Big thanks to Joey Varcoe who was excellent as team manager all weekend. Clemson was a very worthy opponent in the final, we just execute better when it mattered. Big week ahead of us now as we prepare for the 15s national championship against Iowa State.”

Devin Hoovel, who was tournament MVP in the national championship last year, was outstanding again. At sweeper, he made several try-saving tackles and was tough in contact. Michael Lewis wasn’t just a kicker as he was also an excellent distributor. He was also very effective on defense and in the breakdown. Habeeb was the ball-winner in the air and was useful in a variety of roles, making key turnovers, chasing kicks, and making breakaways. Michael Ramos was awarded the MVP of the final match, with his try and big breakaway at the end tacking on to an excellent weekend. The USD coaching staff selected Michael Lewis as the LSKD man of the tournament. His kickoffs allowed the Toreros to control possession all weekend and his game management was especially valuable in difficult conditions.

LSKD Man of the Tournament: Michael Lewis

Full Tournament Roster

#2 Paul Habeeb

#3 Shane Jamison

#5 Sam Carlson

#6 Christian Welch

#7 Felix Morales

#8 Michael Ramos

#9 Devin Hoovel

#10 Michael Lewis

#11 Nate Leff

#12 Micky O’Leary

#13 Dan Suhr

#14 Jackson Short

#15 Anthony Bonilla